Beyond Behaviours Series Episode 3: The Lowdown on Rewards and Punishments in the Classroom

Rewards and punishments might seem like an easy way to manage behaviour, but do they actually work?

In this episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, I’m talking about why extrinsic rewards and punitive consequences don’t create long term behaviour change, and what to do instead.

If you’ve ever relied on sticker charts, prize boxes, or detentions but found they don’t really shift behaviour, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why rewards and punishments control behaviour in the short term but don’t teach long-term skills.
• How extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation and create a “what’s in it for me” mindset.
• Why punishments don’t address the root cause of behaviour and often leads to shame and disconnection.
• How understanding stress responses, unmet needs, and skill gaps changes the way we support behaviour.
• What to do instead—effective feedback, setting boundaries, and holding space for emotions while keeping the classroom safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

• Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Need step-by-step guidance on replacing rewards and punishments with approaches that actually work? Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. Only $47.  It’s packed with practical tools to help you build a connected, non-punitive classroom.

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
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